The coronavirus pandemic has led to increased feelings of anxiety and sadness in everyone, especially in those who have underlying mental illness.
We are worried that we ourselves or a family member will contract the disease. Our social media timelines are flooded with stories of people dying in hospitals alone and it is heartbreaking. Not to mention the isolation and feelings of loneliness as a result of social distancing. Many of us will certainly have post-traumatic stress after this is all over.
Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) did a poll in March which found that women and minorities were more likely to say that their lives have been disrupted a lot or some by the coronavirus outbreak. Overall, 32 percent of individuals felt that worry or stress related to coronavirus has had a negative impact on their mental health.
So, what can we all do to protect our mental health during the coming weeks and perhaps months?
Take a social media break
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you minimize watching, reading or listening to news about COVID-19 that causes you to feel anxious or stressed. Only listen to information from trusted sources and choose one or two specific times during the day to get news updates. The obsessive scrolling on social media is detrimental to your mental health.
Stay connected
Social distancing does not mean that you need to be cut off from the world. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can trigger a depressive episode especially in people who have underlying depression. Stay connected with your family and friends via Facetime, Skype, Zoom and other messaging platforms. Share openly about your feelings and be willing to listen to their concerns as well.
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